MALELANE, South Africa (Reuters) - Five birdies on the back nine from home favorite Charl Schwartzel catapulted the South African into a share of the lead after the first round of the European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Championship on Thursday.
Defending champion Schwartzel, aiming for a fifth Dunhill title, is tied with Irishman Paul Dunne at six under-par at the Leopard Creek Country Club, with six players a further shot back.
That group includes Scotland’s Scott Jamieson, who carded an eagle, seven birdies and four bogeys in a rollercoaster opening round.
If Schwartzel, 32, can keep going and win on Sunday he will become only the fourth player to win the same European Tour event five times, joining Bernard Langer, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods in an exclusive club.